Digging Out, Digging In, and Facing Your Fear

I am deep into my work in progress. Deep into my freelance job. And buried deep in the snow.

Sometimes, it feels like no shovel and no amount of strength is gonna dig you out.

Know what I mean?

But then you start digging.

And even though it's exhausting. And sweaty. And even painful. There's this beautiful moment when you stop, turn around, and see your progress. For me, that's often enough motivation to keep going.

Because even though the snow is still coming down, look at that. You've made a path to the door.



Next month, I'm going to be on a panel with three other authors to discuss how we've overcome challenges. This means I've been reflecting on various challenges I've faced over the years A LOT. And I think I've come to the conclusion that my biggest challenges, while all very different on the surface, can all be boiled down to one (very big) thing: Fear.

FEAR.

I'm not sure what this means. But it feels like that moment when you finally face your shadow, you know? And you're like, ah, it's YOU! It's been you all along?? Sheesh. I wouldn't have guessed it but now it all makes sense.

So. Now what?

I'm still mulling it over.

But... For whatever reason, I feel stronger, knowing my opponent at last. :-)

How about you? What's been your biggest challenge? What have you done about it?